Takata Airbag Defects Could Make U.S. Recall History

Is this the largest U.S. consumer product recall in history? According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they received notification from BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota that they are conducting limited regional recalls to address a possible safety defect involving Takata brand air bag inflators.

Reports state that the Japanese air bag manufacturer Takata Corp. will declare an estimated 33.8 million vehicles defective. Takata is expected to announce it has filed a series of four defect information reports with U.S. auto safety officials. 

An NHTSA statement said, “Today’s action is influenced by a NHTSA investigation into six reports of air bag inflator ruptures, all of which occurred in Florida and Puerto Rico. Based on the limited data available at this time, NHTSA supports efforts by automakers to address the immediate risk in areasthat have consistently hot, humid conditions over extended periods of time.

Consumers impacted by the recalls should have their vehicles serviced promptly once they receive notification from their vehicle manufacturer. NHTSA remains in close communication with the supplier and automakers to gather additional data and will take appropriate action based on our findings.”

For more info on the recall, visit: http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners/NHTSA-statement-on-takata-air-bags